Rev. Praise Bassey, a man, who claimed to be a pastor has been arrested by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for allegedly duping a contractor (name withheld) of N3m.

Bassey, who runs his church, house of Destiny, from his three-bedroom lodging at Gani Dabiri Street, Ajao Estate, was said to have collected the cash in 2010 underneath the pretense of shopping for the contractor a 1X35 Hyundai car.

At the time, Bassey who resides in lagos along with his family was said to have visited Calabar in company with a family friend.

A police source said on the condition of anonymity that matters came to a head when Bassey, on collecting the cash, failed to provide the car nor refund the cash for 2 years.

He said, “The contractor got to know Bassey in 2010 when he visited his place in company with a family friend.

“I learnt that Bassey informed the contractor that he lived in korea and was into the automotive import business.”

Several months later, the contractor allegedly called to ask Bassey the worth of a 1X35 Huyundai car.

“Bassey told the contractor that the value of the car was N3m. She was to pay the amount into his zenith source. when the cash was paid, Bassey became evasive,” the supply said.

The petition, that was referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department through the lagos State Commissioner of Police, led to Bassey’s arrest
He was said to have informed the police that the cash wasn't given to him to shop for a car, however to pray for the contractor’s success in her business. He was later given bail when he promised to refund the cash.

The source said “Part of his bail conditions was that Bassey would refund the cash. At first, he paid N1.25m and secure to pay the remaining N1.75m. after securing his bail, Bassey absconded.”

He was rearrested by State Criminal Investigation Department operatives who were on his trail for several weeks.

The state police command’s commissioner mr. Umar Manko, said, “I am aware of that case. when it came to me, I referred all the parties to the State Criminal Investigation Department Obviously, Bassey wasn't the person the contractor thought he was. However, he has been arrested and will be prosecuted.” Punch